Continuing from Part 1 and Part 2, we return to Cannabis University one last time to complete the final (figurative) course and receive our (unofficial) Ph.D. in cannabis. Read on to graduate!

Our staff writer Kat Hearons just completed the class Demystifying Cannabis: Discover the Truth About the Profound Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Healing of This Ancient Plant Medicine, created and led by Dr. Pepper Hernandez. The course is offered by The Shift Network, whose stated mission is: “Upgrade our human operating system in order to co-create a healthy, peaceful, sustainable, just, and prosperous world.” To learn more about the class, click here.

With Shift’s permission, Kat has been passing along some course highlights, shared in the recurring segment “Head Magazine at Cannabis University.” For the full experience – one we enthusiastically recommend – contact Shift to inquire about accessing course materials on demand. In the meantime, you can check out the Head articles cited below that reinforce points made by Dr. Hernandez. 

“Cannabis needs to be looked at as a wellness tool. Part of our responsibility as human beings is to take really good care of our mind, our body and our spirit. This plant gives us that opportunity.” – Dr. Pepper Hernandez

One of Head Magazine’s many regularly covered aspects of cannabis is the variety of medicinal applications that the plant has. Often, people associate it with only three of those: reducing nausea (especially during chemotherapy), dulling pain and preventing seizures. But that’s only because the legal applications of this miracle plant (plant, not drug) are limited to that and a few other illnesses, depending on what the state and country you reside in decides. To expand your awareness, here are some of the health benefits of cannabis that might surprise you to discover.

  • Reversing memory loss, no matter the cause of it. In “Can CBD Reverse Memory Loss?,” we answer the titular question by analyzing cannabis’s role in neuroplasticity, brain-swelling reduction, brain plaque removal and other key neurological actions.
  • Relieving symptoms of porphyria (“vampire disease”), an extremely difficult condition to live with, and one even harder to treat. In “‘Vampires’ and Weed: Yet Another Use for Medical Marijuana,” we examine a centuries-old medical condition connected to vampire folklore, along with the ways in which cannabis can help the people afflicted by this condition today.

Our research in “Cannabis and Grief: The Science of How Our Bodies Are Custom-Built to Process Cannabis While Coping with the Death of a Loved One” examines not only what happens to our bodies when someone close to us dies, but also how our body’s endocannabinoid system rebuilds you inside when cannabinoids assist with the healing process.

“When we start to recognize how much power there is in cannabis, I think the world changes a bit for us. We break out of the stigma – really, the propaganda. We start to think, ‘Hmmm, maybe it’s not that big a deal.’ I mean, this can be used as a garnish, for goodness’ sakes!” – Dr. Pepper Hernandez

In Part 1 of this three-part series, we analyzed the historical context in the United States that led to demonizing a plant once considered a household (and U.S. military) staple. Now, we’d like to share some of the uses of cannabis that are unambiguously innocent by even the harshest government regulations and social standards.

  • Saving lives endangered by the deadly mosquito-borne illnesses that claim 1 million people annually. In “Mosquito Problem? Your Cannabis Plant Could Be the Solution!,” we look at how cannabis’s built-in defense against mosquitos, when the plant is still growing in soil, can effortlessly – and causing no side effects – achieve what many modern medicines cannot.

In “Plastic Pollution and the Weed Solution,” we focus on the difference between traditional plastic and hemp bioplastic, detailing six specific ways in which the latter can reverse and ultimately prevent plastic pollution. / Photo Credit: Science Photo Library / CC BY-NC 4.0 via Creative Commons

“Integration is at the heart of utilizing cannabis as a tool for long-term, holistic wellness. This means working with cannabis alongside our nutrition, movement, meditation, other adaptogens or herbal teas, just to build a healthier foundation.” – Dr. Pepper Hernandez

Head Magazine is a strong advocate for incorporating cannabis into your overall health regimen, pairing it with other wellness activities. Here are but a few of the many ways that we’ve covered.

  • Nutrition: Cannabis, when kept in its raw form, is a “superfood,” meaning that it contains a multitude of high-value nutrients, such as protein, fiber, fat, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, flavonoids – the list goes on and on. You can include it in a salad, mix it into salsa, make a smoothie or juice with it, and many other things. We provide recipes and more details in “Why Raw Cannabis Is a Thanksgiving Must-Have.”
  • Sleep: Numerous cannabinoids help you to sleep more deeply so that your body and mind are refreshed when you wake up, not heavy and lethargic. As we shared in Part 1 of this series, cannabinol (CBN) helps with insomnia. However, many other cannabinoids carry out specific functions relative to upgrading your sleep, as we discuss in “CBD and Sleep: What You Need to Know.”  
  • Mental Health: Cannabis can be used for the ways:

Numerous cannabinoids help you to sleep more deeply so that your body and mind are refreshed when you wake up. Find out more in “CBD and Sleep: What You Need to Know.” Image Credit: igorr /123rf.com

Congrats, fellow graduates!

Thank you for attending Cannabis University with Head Magazine and The Shift Network.

Keep up with our latest posts, as we frequently provide the same deep levels of research as what you’ll find in the cited articles. Head Magazine prioritizes continued education, and we hope that we have imparted our passion for learning to you, our readers.

The information in this article and any included images are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations or your health, you should always consult an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.

Kathleen Hearons is a writer, editor, linguist and voice over actor from Los Angeles. She specializes in creative writing and research-intensive analysis and reporting.

 

Sources and Suggested Reading

Borsten Vidov, Joan. “To CBD Oil With Love: The Derek Bolds Story.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/to-cbd-oil-with-love-the-derek-bolds-story/. 

Connor, Kerri. “Light Up Enlightenment: Using Cannabis With Meditation.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/light-up-enlightenment-using-cannabis-with-meditation/. 

Darkwah, Joel. “Best Strains and Terpenes to Enhance Your Creativity.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/best-strains-and-terpenes-to-enhance-your-creativity/. 

Darkwah, Joel. “Cannabis and the Flu – A Good Idea?.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 205. https://headmagazine.com/cannabis-and-the-flu-a-good-idea/. 

Darkwah, Joel. “High Gains: 3 Tips for Boosting Muscle Recovery in Weightlifting with Cannabis.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/high-gains-3-tips-for-boosting-muscle-recovery-in-weightlifting-with-cannabis/. 

“Demystifying Cannabis: Discover the Truth About the Profound Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Healing of This Ancient Plant Medicine.” The Shift Network. Accessed Aug. 2, 2025. https://theshiftnetwork.com/Demystifying-Cannabis. 

Franciosi, Anthony. “CBD and Sleep: What You Need to Know.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/cbd-and-sleep-what-you-need-to-know/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “A Pulse Check on Epilepsy and Medicinal Cannabis.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/a-pulse-check-on-epilepsy-and-medicinal-cannabis/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Can Cannabis Raise Your Vibration?.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/can-cannabis-raise-your-vibration/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Can CBD Reverse Memory Loss?.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/can-cbd-reverse-memory-loss/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Cannabis and Grief: The Science of How Our Bodies Are Custom-Built to Process Cannabis While Coping with the Death of a Loved One.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/cannabis-and-grief/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Earth’s Best Friend: How Cannabis Protects and Restores Our Planet.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/earths-best-friend/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “End of Life: Morphine vs. CBD.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/morphine-vs-cbd/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “G.I. Weed: When Cannabis Was Standard Issue in the U.S. Army.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/g-i-weed-when-cannabis-was-standard-issue-in-the-u-s-army/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Growing Up in the ’80s.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/growing-up-in-the-80s/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Head Magazine at Cannabis University: Part 1.” Head Magazine. Accessed Aug. 2, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/head-magazine-at-cannabis-university-part-1/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Holiday Stress? Our Cannabis-Infused Holistic Self-Care Plan Works All Year Round.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/holiday-stress-our-cannabis-infused-holistic-self-care-plan-works-all-year-round/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Hot Sex and Weed: Our Guide to the Best Strains and Products.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/sex-and-weed-our-guide-to-the-best-strains-and-products-for-the-hottest-valentines-day-ever/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Insomniacs for the Win! Natural CBN Offers Effective, Legal Alternative to Manufactured Sleep Drugs.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/insomniacs-for-the-win-natural-cbn-offers-effective-legal-alternative-to-manufactured-sleep-drugs/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Marijuana and Exercise: Could Cannabis Improve Your Workouts?.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/marijuana-and-exercise-could-cannabis-improve-your-workouts/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Mosquito Problem? Your Cannabis Plant Could Be the Solution!.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/mosquito-problem-your-cannabis-plant-could-be-the-solution/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Plastic Pollution and the Weed Solution.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/plastic-pollution-and-the-weed-solution/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “The Illogic of Illegal Weed: A Comprehensive Analysis.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/the-illogic-of-illegal-weed-a-comprehensive-analysis/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “‘Vampires’ and Weed: Yet Another Use for Medical Marijuana.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/vampires-and-weed-yet-another-use-for-medical-marijuana/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Weed STEM Uses: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in Cannabis Research.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/weed-stem-uses/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “When Did Cannabis Become the Bad Guy? What We Didn’t Know.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/when-did-cannabis-become-the-bad-guy/. 

Hearons, Kathleen. “Why Raw Cannabis Is a Thanksgiving Must-Have.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/why-raw-cannabis-is-a-thanksgiving-must-have/. 

Job, Robert. “Can Marijuana Help Manage Stress?.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/can-marijuana-help-manage-stress/. 

“Our Mission.” The Shift Network. Accessed Aug. 2, 2025. https://theshiftnetwork.com/about. 

Teitlebaum, Jacob, M.D. “A Hemp Oil, CBD and Marijuana Primer.” Head Magazine. Accessed Sept. 27, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/a-hemp-oil-cbd-and-marijuana-primer/. 

The Shift Network. Accessed Aug. 2, 2025. https://theshiftnetwork.com.